CLASS X JULIUS CAESAR

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 THEMES OF THE PLAY

A) Heroes vs Villains: Caesar and Brutus both are perceived to be heroes and villains in Julius Caesar. In the opening of the play, Caesar is hailed for his conquests and is admired for his apparent humility upon refusing the crown. However, once murdered, Caesar is painted, by Brutus, as a power hungry leader with the intentions of enslaving all of Rome. Brutus' speech, which follows Caesar's death, successfully manipulates the plebian perspective. By the end of his speech, the crowd is hailing Brutus for killing Caesar, whom they now perceive as a great villain. But, the crowd is easily swayed once again when Antony speaks. Following Brutus' remarks, Antony gives Caesar's eulogy, manipulating the crowd with stories of Caesar's kindness, and sharing the details of Caesar's will, which leaves money to every roman. At the end of Antony's speech, the crowd is once again supportive of Caesar, mourns his death and seeks to kill Brutus, Cassius and the other murderers. The swaying opinion that the play presents leave the audience to determine who, if anyone, is the hero of the play, and who, if anyone, is the villain.

Q1. How do the heavens blaze forth the death of Julius Caesar?

In Julius Caesar, Calpurnia says that the heavens "blaze forth" the death of Caesar through a series of unnatural omens and sights: A lioness giving birth in the streets, Fierce warriors fighting in the clouds, Blood dripping from the clouds onto the Capitol, Graves opening and dead bodies coming out, and Comets shooting. Calpurnia is reminding Caesar of the folklore belief that unusual astrological events, such as a blazing comet, signify a significant political event.

Q2. What does Calpurnia try to convince Caesar of?

Calpurnia tries to convince Caesar not to go to the senate because she believed in omens and portents and she feared for Caesar's life.

Q3. Why does Calpurnia say that Caesar's 'wisdom is consumed in confidence'? What does she mean?

Calpurnia is concerned that Caesar is ignoring warnings and bad omens that indicate an impending disaster. She believes that Caesar's overconfidence has led him to disregard caution and discretion. She is trying to convince Caesar to stay home, but he refuses because he doesn't want to be seen as a coward.

Q4. What does Calpurnia dream about Caesar? How does Decius Brutus interpret the dream?


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